Dataset from Developing Novel Strategies to Increase COVID-19 Testing Among Underserved and Vulnerable Populations in West Virginia through Community and State Partnerships

Background: West Virginia (WV) had been ranked among the most vulnerable states to SARS-CoV-2. Following early school and university closures and shutdowns in March 2020, WV initially had few COVID-19 cases and deaths, but by July 2020, transmissibility increased sharply. Testing was hindered by inadequate supplies, limited access to testing sites due to rural geography and lack of public transportation, shortages of protective equipment for staff, and lack of insurance coverage for surveillance and uninsured populations.

Materials/Methods: The study targeted vulnerable populations such as rural residents, African American communities, and those with comorbidities increasing the risk of severe COVID-19. Due to the high prevalence of substance use disorder (SUD) in the state, inclusion of persons with SUD was a cross-cutting theme across strategies. Aim 1 enhanced testing through rural primary care offices across WV, Aim 2 intensified testing with mobile vans in areas forecasted to experience near-term increases in incidence, and Aim 3 increased testing in Black or African American communities through a dedicated mobile van and home testing. Evaluation measures included numbers of tests performed, uptake of home testing, satisfaction surveys, and structured interviews among Black or African American participants enrolled in the home testing study.

Outcome/Impact: The intended outcome was to increase COVID-19 testing access and uptake among rural, African American, and high-risk populations in West Virginia, including those with SUD. The project aimed to reduce disparities in testing by implementing strategies tailored to geographic, social, and medical vulnerabilities, with evaluation data providing evidence for sustainable testing approaches.